Picture film projecting machine and sound-producing means



P. PRELL PICTURE FILM PROJECTING MACHINE AND SOUND PRODUCING MEANS July 4, 1950 Filed July 1, 1947 s Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR Fe 2 61" Pre 1] HTTOE/Vi-YS July 4, 1950 P. PRELL 2,51 ,673

PICTURE FILM PROJECTING MACHINE AND SOUND PRODUCING MEANS s Sheets-Shet 2 Filed July 1, 1947 INVENTOR. PeZ er Fr; 22

BY Min, MM 9 Man A T TOIPNEYS 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR- PeZEr Pr'e Z2 ATTORNEY July 4, 1950 P. PRELL PICTURE FILM PROJECTING MACHINE AND SOUND PRODUCING MEANS Filed July 1, 1947 l I L July 4, 1950 P. PREL|= 2,513,673

- PICTURE FILM PROJECTING MACHINE AND soum) PRODUCING mums 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed July 1, 1947 INVENTOR Pefer Frail @2127, WMQ KW ATTORNEYS.

July 4, 1950 P. PRELL 2,51 ,67

PICTURE FILM PROJECTING MACHINE AND soum: PRODUCING MEANS Filed July 1. 1947 a Sheets-Sheet 5 J //9 ATTORNEYS,

July 4, 1950 P. PRELL 2,513,673

PICTURE FILM PROJECTING MACHINE AND SOUND PRODUCING "'IEABIS Filed July 1, 1947 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 DIIIIIIH 7 INVEVTOR l atentecl July 4, 1950 PICTURE FILM PROJECTING MACHINE AND SOUND -PRODUCIN G MEANS Peter Prell, New York, N. Y.

Application July 1, 1947, Serial No. 758,425

13 Claims.

This invention relates to an improved picture projecting machine, and more particularly to an improved machine presenting in a compact unit a viewing screen in combination with picture projecting mechanism operative to project successive scenes or views from a picture film, with or without an accompanying sound record.

This invention is directed to the provision of an improved machine for successively projecting views from a picture film or strip onto a translucent viewing screen, compactly arranged as a single unit housed within an enclosed casing. This improved machine is characterized by a translucent viewing screen mounted in a wall panel of the enclosing casing upon which the successive views of the picture film may be projected and clearly viewed. The light source, condensing lenses and objective tube are compactly arranged and assembled in combination with film supporting and advancing devices to provide a compact mechanism supported upon a carrier which may be moved into and out of the machine casing for the convenient application and removal of the picture film.

As a further feature, one or more reflecting mirrors are adjustably mounted within the relatively small casing in a manner to reflect the picture rays produced by the projector unit from the exceedingly small pictures of sixteen millimeters or less, onto the viewing screen in greatly enlarged and clearly visible size.

Mechanism is provided for instantly advancing the successive picture frames at predetermined time intervals, and for de-energizing the light source during the instant the film is advanced in a manner to avoid objectionable light flicker on the viewing screen. The film advancing mechanism is preferably driven by a small electric motor supported upon the movable projector carrier. As a further feature, an electrical contact fixed within the casing is arranged to cooperate with an electrical contact associated with the movable carrier whereby the power source to the electric motor and projector lamp is automatically connected when the carrier is fully inserted in the casing, and disconnected when the carrier is withdrawn from the casing.

A further feature of this invention is the use of a low voltage projector lamp and a low voltage operating motor so as to render unnecessary the use of special insulating means to protect the picture film from the heat generated by the projector lamp. This desirable result is effected by connecting the power line of standard commercial voltage to the high voltage side of a transformer contained in the casing, the low voltage side of the transformer supplying power to the low voltage motor and low voltage electric lamp forming part of the projector.

Sound producing means, such as a record player, may be adaptably incorporated as a part of this improved picture projecting machine. The record player may embody either a mechanical or an electrical sound producing system, and may be mounted on the movable carriage which supports the projector to facilitate removal and attachment of the sound record. The driving motor which operates the picture film advancing mechanism is also utilized to drive the record player.

This improved machine is adaptably designed to project pictures from an endless picture film or strip, or may be equipped with pay-out and take-up reels operative to feed a picture strip of any desired length through the film projector. The desirable attributes of expensive picture projecting machines for projecting successive still or moving pictures on screens spaced separate and apart from the projector and requiring the attention of skilled operators, are incorporated in this relatively simple machine which can be manufactured at modest cost and successfully operated by unskilled operators. All the mechanisms and accoutrements for complete picture reproduction are condensed in this unit and adapted to be compactly contained in a portable casing. The film and the sound record can be easily and conveniently removed and replaced upon withdrawal of the movable carrier from the casing.

Since the electrical connections to the projector and driving motor are automatically disconnected when the supporting carrier is moved out of the casing, this machine can be operated with assured safety by children and unskilled operators. Since the electric lamp as well as the driving motor is operated by low voltage current, these devices which are a constant source of failure, possess long and durable life, the power supply to the machine being nevertheless of commercial voltage. The light reflecting system, incorporating the use of one or more reflecting mirrors, permits the projection of a clearly viewable picture of substantial size on the viewing screen, even though a very small millimeter film is used. The component parts of this machine are simple in design and construction, making possible the low cost mass production of these machines substantially below the cost of other picture projecting machines now available.

This improved machine may be used to operate films presenting pictures of both entertaining and educational value. When a sound reproducer is incorporated therewith, records having appropriate explanatory talks or music may be run in synchronism with the projected pictures from the film. The machine is simple and substantially fool-proof in operation and is therefore particularly adapted to be operated by children for their entertainment and educational benefit. Machines may be constructed in accordance with this invention of appropriate size or capacity for use as an advertising device and wherein the sound record may carry suitable descriptive sales talk coordinated with picture views showing commercial products, or to provide promotional and educational information relating to the construction, make-up or manufacturing procedures employed in the production of advertised commercial products.

Further objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent as the disclosure proceeds.

Although the characteristic features of the invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims appended hereto, the invention itself, and the manner in which it may be carried out, may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, in which:

Fig. 1 shows this improved picture projecting machine in perspective and as it may be constructed to appear in exterior view.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view taken longitudinally of the machine illustrating certain structural details of the outer casing and the operating mechanism contained therein.

Fig. 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view through the outer casing additionally showing the arrangement of the mechanism housed therein as viewed in the direction of the arrows 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary vertical cross-sectional View of a fragmentary detail of the outer casing and sliding tray and the track mounting therefor, as the same would appear when viewed along line 4-4 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a schematic wiring diagram illustrating certain electrical circuits embodied in the machine.

Fig. 6 is a side elevational View of the projector instrument forming a part of the machine, certain parts being broken away to illustrate structural details.

Fig. 7 is a sectional detail of the light control switch in cooperating relation to the picture strip actuator as the same would appear when viewed along line ?-i of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the projector instrument and a top plan view of the rotatable table which manipulates the film actuator as the same would appear when viewed along line 8-8 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 9 is a transverse cross-sectional detail of the projector instrument illustrating more particularly the objective tube thereof as the same would appear when viewed along line 9-9 of Fi 6.

Fig. 10 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken vertically through the projector instrument as the same would appear when viewed in the direction of the arrow ice-i ii of Fig. 6.

Fig. 11 is another transverse cross-sectional ing further details of the sound reproducing instrument in association with the projector instrument as the same would appear when viewed along line iii-53 of Fig. 12.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings and specification.

This improved picture projecting machine, as typically illustrated in the drawings, generally comprises an enclosed substantially light-proof housing or casing 55 in which the machine instruments and operating mechanisms, are con tained. This improved machine incorporates a projector instrument 35 through which the picture film a is advanced. As shown more par ticularly in Figs. 6, 8, l0 and ii, the projector instrument 3B embodies a light producing assembly Ml, a condensing lens assembly 553 in association with an objective tube assembly 6? and a film guide assembly is positioned between condensing lens assembly 56 and the objective tube assembly 66.

Film actuating mechanism 186 associated with the projector instrument is provided for advancing the picture film a through the film guide assembly it, the film actuating assembly iti) being riven by a motor i251 through appropriate transmission mechanism. Driving power for the electric motor B20 is provided by a step-down transformer assembly E25 through a fixed contact assembly H55 in detachable association with a companion plug-in assembly hit.

The picture rays from the projector instrument 3i! are initially thrown onto a reflecting mirror assembly liiii which is positioned at one end of the containing casing l5 opposite the end at which the projector instrument 3b is positioned. The picture rays reflected by the mirror assembly we are thrown upon a translucent viewing screen H0 mounted on a wall panel of the containing casing I5 in a position to be clearly viewable from the exterior thereof. The machine may incorporate one or more reflecting mirror assemblies EBB provided to effect substantial enlargement of the picture scenes as placed upon the viewing screen iii], the reflecting mirror system being such as to permit a compact arrangement of the various instruments and mechanisms within a containing casing E5 of limited overall size.

To facilitate and otherwise greatly simplify the removal and replacement of the picture film or strip a in and from the projector instrument 3%], the projector instrument 30, the film actuating motor Iii] and associated power transmission mechanism is mounted upon a movable carrier or tray 2b which can be partially or wholly withdrawn through one of the walls of the containing casing. Any desired adjustments of the various operating parts of the projector instrument 35, as well as removal and replacement of the picture film, may be easily, quickly and accessibly made by the simple expedient of partial or complete withdrawal of the movable carrier from its place of residence within the containing casing. Upon such withdrawal, the power supply to the motor I20 is automatically cut off at the power contact connections I35 and I40, the contact connection I40 being associated with the movable carrier 20 while the contact connection I35 is secured in fixed position within the casing I5. When the movable carrier 20 has been fully inserted within the containing casing, electrical connection between the power contact elements MEI and I35 is automatically effected.

This improved machine is designed to be operated from available house current, precautionary means being taken by the use of a stepdown transformer I25 to substantially reduce the current voltage supplied to the light producing assembly 40 to a low and safe voltage of approximately six volts. This low voltage is sufiicient to operate the light producing assembly in a manner to produce ample light to effect the reproduction of clear and distinct pictures on the viewing screen no, with the further advantage of a long and lasting life of the light producing assembly 40 and other parts of the machine. The danger of electric shock to the hands of unskilled operators of the machine is also greatly minimized and obviated.

Sound producing mechanism I'I5, as shown more particularly in Figs. 12 and 13, may be adaptably incorporated as part of the machine. The sound producing means may comprise either a mechanical or electrical sound producing system and is desirably mounted upon the movable carrier 2i! so that the sound producing instrument may be readily withdrawn from the container casing I5 to facilitate and make easy the removal and replacement of selected sound tracks or records. In this assembly the same motor may be used to drive the record player and the film actuating mechanism associated with the projector instrument. The step-down transformer I25 would also be mounted on the movable carrier, the detachable power connecting assemblies I35 and M being nevertheless employed so that the power connection may be broken on withdrawal of the removable carrier from, and connected upon insertion of the movable carrier within, the containing casing.

The structural details of this machine, including the instrumentation and operating mechanisms associated therewith, may be variously constructed and designed within the purview of this invention. Typical details of the construction which may be employed are illustrated in the drawings and will now be described in further detail.

The containing casing The containing casing I in which the various instruments and mechanisms are housed, may be variously shaped and formed in metal, plastics or wood to provide a durable and attractive casing. A typical form of casing which may be employed, as illustrated in the drawings, may present a bottom wall I6, side walls I1, a top wall I8 and a rear wall I9, these walls being so named to facilitate description only.

The movable carrier 20 may be formed as a drawer or tray presenting a bottom wall 2|, a rear wall 22, a front wall panel 23, and suitable side walls 24. The carrier or tray '20 may be slidably supported on suitable spaced angle brackets 25 which extend along the side walls 24 of the tray, as shown more particularly in Figs. 2, 3 and 4. The brackets 25 may be secured to the bottom wall I6 of the outer casing as by suitable securing elements 25. The supporting brackets 25 are arranged in paired rows, each row of brackets supporting a guide bar 26 designed to slide within a channel-shaped member '2? fixed to the adjacent side wall 24 of the tray carrier 29. The front wall panel 23 of the tray carrier 28 may be provided with a suitable manipulating handle 28 by which the tray carrier may be withdrawn from and inserted into the outer casing I5.

The adjacent wall of the outer casing may be provided with framing 29 of attractive contour which defines therein a conforming opening through which the tray 26 may be received. The rear wall I9 may be detachably secured to the casing structure by means of detachable securing elements I9 so that the rear wall I9 of the casing may be made removable to provide for adequate access to certain of the instruments and mechanisms contained within the casing and to facilitate adjustment and repair thereof. The top wall 58 of the casing may be provided with a suitable carrying handle I8, and the bottom wall it of the casing may be provided with suitable cushion mounts formed of insulating rubber or the like, whereby the machine may be supported and spaced in non-marring and insulated relation to a supporting table or other piece of furniture as desired. 7

The projector instrument The projector instrument 3Q, contained within the movable carrier 23, may be suitably supported on one of the side walls 24 of the carrier 20, as more particularly illustrated in Figs. 2, 3, 8, 9 and 10. As shown in these figures, the mount for the projector instrument may comprise a relatively sturdy angle shaped bracket SI having a vertical leg 52 upon which the light producing assembly 30, the condensing lens assembly 50, the film guide assembly l6) and the objective tube assembly Gil may be suitably secured and supported. The horizontal leg 33 of the bracket 31 extends inwardly of the tray carrier 2!] and supports part of the transmission mechanism whereby power from the driving motor I 20 is transmitted to the film actuating mechanism I00.

The light producing assembly 453, the condenser lens assembly 553, the film guide assembly I0, the film actuating mechanism Hill, and the film a itself, is housed and contained within an enclosing cover 3:2 suitably detachably secured as by spring clip elements 37 to the vertical leg 32 of the angle shaped frame bracket 3I. The enclosing cover 34 may be made of metal of attractive outline, and may be provided with louvers 35 stamped in the side wall thereof for the dissemination of any heat which may be generated by the light producing assembly 40 contained therein. The vertical leg 32 of the bracket 3| may be provided with a mounting bracket 32 as means for attaching it to tray 25 and secured on leg 32 by spot welding or other means. Flanges 3B and 35 arranged along the vertical edges of mounting bracket 32' may be suitably bent to adapt them for being attached to side wall 26 of tray 26 as by securing elements 33. The flange portions 36 and 36 of the bracket 32' may vary in length, as shown more particularly in Fig. 3, so as to support the instruments and mechanisms contained in the housing cover 34 at an angle with respect to the longitudinal center line of the machine.

The light producing assembly 40 may com 7 prise an electric lamp 4! threaded into a receiving socket 42 which is supported by an angular bracket 43, as shown more particularly in Figs. 8 and 10. Bracket 43 is mounted on the vertical leg 32 of the frame bracket 3! by means of a threaded stud 44 which extends through an elon-' gated slot 45 in the bracket 43 to permit mounting adjustment of the bracket and its associated electric lamp 4!. The base of the lamp socket 42 is provided with electric terminals 46 and 4'! to which the electric lead wires 48 and 49 are respectively attached.

The condensing lens assembly 59 comprises a pair of light condensing lenses mounted in a cup shaped housing 52 as shown in Figs. 6 and 8. The paired lenses 5! are retained in spaced relation by a spacing ring 53. The cup shaped housing 52 has a light admission opening 54 in the'bottom wall thereof, the adjacent lens 5! seating against an inwardly extending rim 55 formed as a part of the bottom wall of the cup 52. The paired lenses 5! are retained within the cup shaped housing 52 by a snap ring 56 against which the outer lens 5! is designed to seat. The lens housing 52 and the contained lenses are supported upon a bracket 5'5 which has a sleeve portion 58 which embraces the cup shaped housing 52, the bracket 5'! having a lug 59 secured as by a rivet or other securing element 553' to the vertical leg 32 of the main bracket frame 3!.

The objective tube assembly 56, shown more particularly in Figs. 8 and 9, comprises an outer cylindrical tube 6! which can be made of metal, and which contains a pair of spaced objective lenses 62.- The lenses 62 are retained in spaced relation by an inner tube 63 snugly fitting within the outer tube 6!, the tube 63 being preferably made of treated fiber. Snap rings 54, seating within suitable depressions 65 formed in the outer tube 6!, serve to removably retain the adjacent lenses 5? in tube mounted position. The objective tube assembly 6!] is positioned exterior of the cover casing 34 and may be supported as shown in Fig. 9 from the vertical leg 32 of the frame bracket 3! by a suitable spring clamp which comprises a pair of resilient and semicircular shaped half sections 66 extending from associated legs 61 secured as by suitable securing elements 68 to the vertical frame leg 32. The clamp sections 36 serve to resiliently embrace the outer tube 8! of the objective tube assembly 50 in a manner to support the objective lenses 672 in proper alignment with the light bulb 4! and the lenses 5! of the condensing lens assembly 50. An opening or aperture 39 is cut in the adjacent wall of the cover casing 34 through which light rays may pass from the lamp bulb i! to the objective tube 60.

The film guide assembly H1 is mounted within the cover casing 34, and is located between and in alignment with the lenses 5! of the condensing lens assembly 58 and the lenses 62 of the objective tube assembly 6%. The film guide assembly iii, as shown more particularly in Figs. 6 and 8, comprises an inner film guide 1!! riveted or otherwise secured to an L-shaped bracket E2 fixed as by suitable securing means "is to the vertical bracket frame leg 32. The film guide member i! may be semi-oval in shape and provided with rounded end portions M, the guide member l! presenting film guiding flanges 75 along the side edges thereof. The film guide member it also presents a depressed center section "it having an aperture 1'! therein through which light rays from the lamp 4! may emerge. Fhe bracket '!2 is likewise provided with a light ray opening 18 in alignment with the light ray opening 11. The depressed center section 16 of the guide member 7! is so formed that only the side edges 0. of the film strip a bear against the guide member I along the raised shoulder portions '!9 thereof, thus obviating the possibility of scratching or marring the center portion of the film which carries the pictures or views to be displayed.

The picture film a is additionally supported upon an upper guide roller and a lower guide roller 8!. The guide rollers 80' and 8! may be similarly formed from a pair of cup shaped members 82 and 83 whose bottom walls 84 are in faceto-face contact and secured together. The tubular walls 85 of the paired cup members 82 and 83 are inclined toward the bottom walls 84 thereof so that the picture portions of the film a are actually out of contact with the supporting rollers. Each of the supporting rollers 80 and B! are provided with flared edge portions 86 to retain the film in position thereon.

The upper guide roller 80, as shown more particularly in Fig. 11, is mounted upon a stud bolt 81 secured to the vertically extending leg 32 of the main frame bracket 3!. Guide roller 89 is designed to smoothly roll on the stud bolt 81, a shoulder portion 88 being formed on stud bolt 3'! in a manner to provide a light frictional resistance to the free rotation of the roller 80. A spacing member 83 mounted on stud 8! between roller wall 34 and vertical leg 32 insures proper positioning of roller 80 and in conjunction with shoulderportion 88 maintains rigid alignment.

The lower guide roller 8!, as shown in Figs. 6 and 8, is rotatably secured as by bolt 89 to a pivotally mounted z-shaped bracket 98 designed to swing on a stud screw 92 extending through leg portion 9! of Z-bracket 9i] and secured to the vertical leg 32 on the main frame bracket 3 I. A steel rod spring 94 has the lower end thereof secured to the vertical leg 32 of the main frame bracket M as by a pair of set screws 95. The upper end 94' of the rod spring 94 extends through an aperture 96 in the arm portion 9'! of the guide roller supporting bracket 90. The rod spring 94 is mounted and adjusted to exert an outward swinging pressure on the pivotally mounted guide roller supporting bracket 98, as shown more particularly in Fig. 6, so as to maintain a predetermined operating tension on the picture film a when mounted on the guide rollers 80 and 8! and the film guide assembly It. It will be appreciated that the guide roller 8! may be readily pushed inwardly of the cover casing 34 to relieve the tension on the picture film a to facilitate removal and replacement thereof.

The film actuating assembly 10, as shown more particularly in Figs. 6 and 10, is designed to intermittently advance the film a. the distance of one frame a thereof, so that only one frame at a time is disposed in alignment with the opti cal system for a predetermined interval. The film advancing mechanism may comprise a lever H3! pivotally mounted on a stud I62 fixed to the vertical leg 32 of the main frame bracket 3!. The lever NJ! has an inwardly extending arm portion IE3 to which a U-shaped bracket N34 is secured as by suitable securing elements W5. A pin 666 extends through the legs of the U-bracket Hi4, and has a pair of weighted dogs l9! pivotally mounted thereon. Each dog Ill! is counterbalanced by the provision of an enlarged and weighted end portion 28 which serves to cause the film engaging point I09 at the other end of the dog toswing upwardly into engagement with the film strip a. The dog points I29 are of such shape and contour as to readily extend into the spaced apertures 19 extending in spaced relation along each side edge a. of the film strip. A spacing collar Ill] mounted on the pin Illii maintains the paired film advancing dogs IIl'I in spaced alignment and in position for engagement with the spaced film apertures 17.

The lever IIlI is normally maintained in retracted position by a coil spring III secured at one end thereof to the lever IOI, the other end of the spring III being secured to a stud II2 extending inwardly from the vertical leg 32 of the main frame bracket 3|. When the lever [BI is thus maintained in retracted position by the coil spring III, the film engaging dogs IIl'I present the points I09 thereof in gripping engage-- ment with the apertures b of the film strip a. The range of swinging movement of the lever IIlI is such that when the lever IUI is swung on pivot stud H32 from its retracted position to advance position, the film strip a will be ad" vanced a distance equal to the film length of one of the picture frames a of the film strip.

The film advancing lever IIII is swung to advance position at predetermined intervals by driving mechanism which may comprise a turntable I I5 which has a stud I I6 bolted to the upper horizontal face thereof, the stud M6 presenting a cam face H6. The lower end of the actuating lever illl presents an inwardly extending leg H3 which carries an adjustably mounted screw I I4 which presents a "rounded can-lining end I94. Stud screw II4 may be adjusted so that the rounded end portion H4 thereof will be engaged by the cam face Hi5 of the turntable stud I It when the turntable H5 is rotated. The direction of rotation of the turntable H5 is such as to periodically move its stud into engagement with the end of screw stud II4 associated with the film actuating lever IIJI in a manner to swing the lower end of the camming lever to the left, as shown in Fig. 6, a predetermined distance before release, said predetermined distance being such as to swing the film engaging points I83 of the actuating dogs II]? a distance equal to the length of a full film frame a". When the lower end of the actuating lever Iiil is released by the continuing rotation of the turntable M5, the coil spring III will operate to return the actuating lever IllI to its normally non-actuating position.

The turntable I I5 may comprise a fianged disc having a hub portion II"! as shown more particularly in Fig. 10. A pivot stud II8 projecting through the hub portion II'I provides a means for rotatably securing the turntable to the horizontal leg 33 of the main frame bracket 3i.

Turntable I I5 is rotated by a low voltage driving motor I2i3 as shown more particularly in Figs. 2 and 3. Driving motor I has a suitable speed reducing unit I2I associated therewith, which presents a reduced speed shaft I22 to which a small friction roller I23 is fixedly secured. The small driving roller I23 is arranged to have driving engagement with the exterior face of the downturned flange II9 of the turntable lit. To eliminate disturbing vibration caused by the operation of the motor, the motor I22 is mounted on a resilient platform. I24, as shown more particularly in Fig. 2, one end of which is secured as by suitable securing means I24 to the bottom wall 2I of the tray carrier 20.

The speed reducing unit I2I of the motor is so made, and the diameter of the driving roller I22 and the diameter of the turntable II5 are so proportioned, as to rotate the turntable II 5 through a complete revolution in from six to ten seconds, or such suitable time interval as is desirably required to place each successive film frame a" in residence at the film guide assembly If! for a satisfactory viewing period.

Electric power supply mechanism The electric power supply mechanism incorporates a step-down transformer I25, the high voltage side I26 thereof being supplied by commercial current of normal voltage through two conductor lead wire I2I which has an on-and-oif switch I28 therein mounted on one of the side walls I! of the outer casing as shown in Fig. 3. The switch I28 has a suitable push button or lever control element I29 by means of which th current to the electrically operated instruments and mechanisms indication may be con trolled. A current supply cord I30 extends from the switch I28 through an insulating bushing I3I fixed in the adjacent side wall I! of the casing, the electric cord I30 being of suficient length to permit the plug-in element I32 at the end thereof to be conveniently plugged into a socket fixture.

The transformer I25 may be mounted upon the bottom Wall I6 of the casing and secured thereto by suitable securing elements I33 in the form of the invention as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3. In the form of the invention as illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13, the transformer I25 may be attachably mounted on the bottom wall 2I of the tray carrier 20. The transformer I25 is so constructed as to provide a low voltage side I34 which delivers current at low voltage, such as four to ten volts, to the output lead wire I34.

The output lead wire I34 is connected to' a fixed plug-in assembly I35 which comprises a suitable plug-in receptacle I36 fixedly mounted upon a bracket I'3'I. In the form of the invention as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the bracket I3! is secured as by securing elements I38 to the bottom wall I'B of the outer casing I5.

An electric contact assembly I40 is mounted on the rear Wall 22 of the tray carrier 20 so as to move therewith. The contact assembly I40 comprises a suitable plug I4I carrying contact elements I42 adapted to be detachably inserted into the electrical receptacle I36. The plug-in contact assembly I40 is so mounted on the rear wall 22 of the tray carrier 20 as to insure accurate electric contact between its plug MI and the electrical receptacle I36, when the tray carrier 20 is fully inserted within the outer casing I5. A low voltage lead cord I44 extends from the plugin element I4I to the driving motor I20, as indicated in the wiring diagram as shown in Fig. 5 The low voltage power cord I44 is also interconnected in the circuit supplying current to light bulb socket 42 as shown more particularly in Figs. 5, 6 and 10.

The light wires 48 and 49 are connected to the low voltage power cord I44 through a contact switch I45 by means of which the current supply to the light assembly is controlled, the contact switch I45 serving to cut off the current supply to the lamp assembly 4!} during the advancing movement of the film strip a, thereby avoiding light flicker during change of pictures on the viewing screen I10.

The switch assembly I45 is automatically 0perated by an ear I46 which projects laterally from the film actuating lever IIlI. In normal nonactuating position of the lever ItI, the ear I46 is in contact with a pin I41 which extends through an enlarged hole in the inwardly projecting leg I49 of a bracket I48 as shown in Figs. 6 and 7. The other leg I49 of the bracket I48 is secured as by suitable securing elements I48 to the vertical leg 32 of the main frame bracket 3|. The pin I4! is designed to slide in a conforming opening provided in an insulating blank I56 which is secured to the leg I49 of the bracket I48. Low voltage power supply wire I44 which leads from the transformer I25 has one of its conductors I44 attached to a resilient metal contact element I I', the contact element I5I being suitably secured to the insulation blank I50 as by a rivet I52. The resilient contact element I5I has a resilient metal portion I5I' which overlies the head of the pin I41. A companion contact element I53 is also secured to the insulation blank I56 as by rivet I54, the companion contact element I53 being connected to wire 48 which leads to the lamp assembly 40. Resilient contact element I53 has a contact portion I53 which overlies the resilient contact portion I5l of contact element I5I.

When the film actuating lever I6! is in its normal non-actuating position, the ear portion M6 thereof will maintain the head of the pin I41 pressed against the contact element I5I, so as to maintain the resilient contact portion I5! thereof in resilient contact with the contact portion I53 of the companion contact element I53 so as to permit current flow from lead wire 544' into the lamp lead wire 48 in accordance with the circuit shown in Fig. 5. When the film actuating lever IN is actuated by the turntable II5, the ear portion I46 of the actuating lever I!!! will be moved out of engagement with the pin I41, so that electric contact between contact portions I51 and I53 is broken during the instant the lever |0I is operating to advance the film stri a, and prior to its return to its normal non-actuating position by the coil spring II I. Simple and positive means are thus provided to break the current flow to the lamp assembly 46 during the instant that the film strip is being advanced, thereby avoiding light flicker on the viewing screen I during the instant of picture change thereon.

Reflecting mirror assembly As shown more particularly in Figs. 2 and 3, a reflecting mirror assembly I60 is provided to change the direction of the picture rays emanating from the projector instrument 66 in a. manner to translate these rays as .a clear and enlarged'image picture on the viewing screen Ill). The reflecting assembly I66 comprises a suitable reflecting mirror 16! which is mounted on a backing plate I62 having clamping tongues I63 associated therewith to retain the mirror i6I securely mounted thereon.

The mirror I'6I and its sup-porting plate 162 is preferably adjustably mounted so as to aceurately pick up the light rays from the prolector instrument 36* and accurately transmit these rays in properly centered position upon the viewin screen H6. The adjustable mounting for the mirror I66 may comprise a U-bracket presenting spaced upright leg portions I66 and a connecting base portion I65, the base portion I65 thereof being secured to the bottom wall I6 of the casing by means of a pivot stud I66 having a wing clamp nut I66. The upper ends of the 12 spaced legs I64 support a horizontal rod I61 which extends through a pair of spaced pivot lugs I68 fixed to the mirror supporting plate I62. One pivot lug I68 may be provided with a set screw I69 by means of which it may be adjustably clamped to the supporting rod 51.,

By a suitable adjustment of the set screws I69, it will be appreciated that the mirror 56! may be maintained in any desired tilted position on the supporting rod I6'I'. Likewise the mirror I6I may be laterally swung to any desired reflecting posi tion by swinging the base portion I65 of the U- shaped supporting bracket in the appropriate manner and securing the bracket in the selected adjusted position by the wing nut I66. Ready access to the reflecting mirror assembly to effect adjustment thereof may be had by removing the rear wall I9 of the casing I5.

Any desired number of adjust/ably mounted mirrors I6I may be associated with this machine to reflect the light rays from the projector instrument 36 in a manner to not only enlarge the picture as projected on the viewing screen I'll), but also to permit the mounting of the viewing screen I16 on any selected wall of the outer casing I5.

t will be also appreciated that byproviding one or more reflecting mirrors I6I, the overall size or" the outer casing I5 may be reduced to almost any desired size, and yet provide picture projection on the viewing screen I'Ill of clearly viewable proportions. It will accordingly be appreciated that this invention contemplates the provision of any desired number of reflecting mirror assemblies to obtain clearly viewable pictures in comfortable viewing sizes, produced by instruments and mechanisms contained in an outer casing of limited size and which may be made readily portable.

Viewing screen assembly The viewing screen assembly comprises essen tially a transparent viewing screen IIIl of the type well known in the art for receiving and making visible film pictures projected thereon. The transparent viewing screen I19 is preferably mounted in one of the outer walls of the casing I 5 in a position to be clearly and comfortably viewed. The viewing screen H6 should be positioned to permit unobstructed projection of a cone of light thereon from the reflecting mirror ItI. The outer casing I5 is shaped and designed to efiect this result.

In the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, the transparent viewing screen IIIl is shown as mounted directly above the front wall 23 of the tray carrier 26. The viewing screen I'M is preferably rectangular in form and may be provided with suitable flanges I'II secured to a suitable rectangular frame I72 associated with the outer casing. The casing frame I12 may be arranged to support the viewing screen H6 in a comfortable viewing inclined position The top Wall I8 of the casing may be appropriately inclined to permit unobstructed projection of the light rays from the reflecting mirror I6I onto the viewing screen FIG.

It will be appreciated that the viewing screen lit may well be arranged within the purview of this invention at one side of the movable tray carrier 26, or below the movable tray carrier 26. It will also be appreciated that by the provision of a suitable arrangement of reflecting mirrors it I, the viewing screen I10 may be positioned at one end of the casing I5 with the movable carrier 26 positioned at the other end of the casing. By

' 13 various and sundry placing arrangements of the instruments and mechanisms within the casing I5, the contour and shape of the outer casing may be varied and modified as desired, and the view-- ing screen I79 may also be located on almost any selected wall of the outer casing.

Sound producing mechanism This invention also contemplates the provision of sound recording mechanism whereby music, talk or other sound commentary may be synchronized with the picture display. The sound reproducing mechanism I as illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13 may comprise a record player mounted upon the movable carrier along with the projector instrument 3%. As here illustrated, the record player comprises a turntable I16 rotated by a suitable electric motor I'I'I contained within the sound reproducing ca sing I18. The sound instrument as shown in Figs. 12 and 13 also embodies a playing head I79 associated with a mcchanical type of tone arm IBIJ. The turntable We is designed to support a suitable sound record d, the sound produced escaping through suitable apertures or grille work I8I in the sound instrument casing I18. It is understood that a record player of the type shown in Figs. 12 and 13 represents only one type of sound reproducing mechanism which may be employed, and that a record player of the type having an electronic pick-up, and incorporating an electronic amplifier arrangement, can be used with equal facility.

The driven shaft I83 of the sound instrument motor III may be provided with a small pulley wheel I8 1 by means of which the film actuating turntable II5 may be rotated. In the construction shown in Figs. 12 and 13, the pivot stud I I8 of the film advancing turntable H5 is provided with a pulley wheel I85 around which the driving belt I36 is trained, the driving belt I86 also being trained around the motor pulley wheel I84. By this driving arrangement, the same motor I'II may be employed to operate the turntable I16 of the sound reproducer, as well as the film actuating turntable H5.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 12 and 13, the tray carrier 20 is designed to slide through an opening in one of the side walls I! of the outer casing, the side wall I'I having suitable framing I88 providing a trim seat for the front panel 23 of the tray carrier 20. The casing frame 29 at the front of the outer casing supports grille work I 89 through which sound produced by the sound reproducing mechanism escapes adjacent the viewing screen I'IIl. The rear wall 22 of the sliding tray carrier 20, as shown in Fig. 13, supports the contact assembly MEI as heretofore described which cooperates with a companion contact assembly I35 which may be supported upon the adjacent side wall I! of the outer casing. In this arrangement the ofi-andon switch I28 is also supported on the side wall I! of the outer casing and connected to the contact assembly I 35 by power cord ISB of normal commercial voltage. The electrical contact assembly I40 supported on the rear wall 22 of the tray carrier is connected to the driving motor ITI of the sound recording instrument by a power cord I 9| of normal commercial voltage.

Another power cord I92 extends from the con tact assembly I40 to the high voltage input side I26 of a transformer I which is supported upon the bottom wall 2| of the tray carrier 29. The low voltage output side I34 of the transformer is connected by lead wire I93 to the contact switch I45, in turn connected to the low voltage current wire 48 connected to the light assembly II) of the projector instrument 30. In this arrangement, the projector instrument 30 is mounted on the rear wall 22 of the tray carrier 20 by the main frame bracket 31 in a manner to project the light rays in an unobstructed manner onto the reflecting mirror I6 I.

In the arrangement shown in Figs. 12 and 13. withdrawal of the tray carrier 20 breaks the electric current supply at cooperating contact assemblies I35 and I40 to automatically halt the operation of the machine in event the current supply to the instruments supported on the tray 29 has not previously been cut off by the use of the control switch I28. Upon withdrawal of the tray carrier 2i], the record disc d or other sound strip may be changed, and the picture strip may also be removed and changed by removing the cover housing 3% of the projector instrument 30. The record disc (1 may carry a suitable sound track operating in timed relation to the film pictures to be displayed on the picture screen III]. The record turntable I'IB may be provided with speed adjustment so that the turntable may be rotated at a speed to accurately coordinate its sound track with the displayed film pictures.

Operation of the machine This improved picture projecting machine may be designed to reproduce pictures from a travelling film upon the viewing screen I'IIJ, either in the form of successive still pictures, or as moving pictures. Where moving pictures are to be displayed, the film supporting rollers Bil and BI may be constructed in the form of a film pay-out reel and a film take-up reel. In the case of moving pictures, the high speed advance of the film may be effected by increasing the relative speed of the actuating turntable I I5, and/or by mounting a plurality of actuating studs III; thereon.

In operating the machine, the tray carrier 20 is withdrawn from the outer casing, the housing cover 34 of the projector instrument 3% removed, and the selected film can then be easily mounted without obstruction on the guide rollers 89 and BI and around the film guide assembly iii. The sound record, such as the sound record disc d, is then mounted on the sound reproducing instrument, and the playing head I79 placed in proper starting position. The tray carrier 20 is then inserted into the outer casing and electrical connection between the contact assemblies I40 and I35 is thus automatically effected. The control switch I28 is then operated, which automatically throws the projector instrument 3%) and the sound recording mechanism I15 into operation. The control switch I28 is readily accessible on the outside wall of the outer casing so that the operation of the machine can be started and shut off any time as desired. By the provision of the automatically detachable contact assemblies I35 and I45, the current supply is automatically broken in event the unskilled operator should attempt to change the sound record or the film without having first shut ofi the current supply by switch I29.

While adjustment of the mirror assembly I60 would normally be made at the factory before the machine is shipped, any desired realignment or adjustment of the mirror I6I may be accessibly made by merely removing the adjacent rear wall I9 of the outer casing. All mechanisms and instruments not mounted on the tray carrier 20 and readily accessible upon with- 15 drawal of the tray carrier from the outer casing, are mounted within the casing in a manner to be clearly accessible upon removal of the rear wall l9 thereof.

This machine is particularly designed for low cost mass production to provide a highly serviceable and substantially fool-proof machine adapted to be operated by unskilled operators. The machine embodies simplicity in design, and can be largely assembled from stamped parts. All the instruments and mechanisms necessary for the reproduction of clearly viewable pictures are contained within a compact casing which can be made in small size, weighing a relatively few pounds, and thus made readily portable.

This improved picture projection machine finds particular appeal as an instructive and entertaining amusement device for children as well as grown-ups. Films presenting fairy tale pictures, historical pictures, and instructive pictures of various sorts, in small 16 millimeter size, to be shown either as still pictures or as moving pictures, may be adaptably projected in machines constructed in accordance with this invention. Sound reproducing mechanism operating to provide synchronized and accompanying talk or music, produced from a sound record or magnetic or electronic sound track, may be incorporated in the machine at small additional cost.

In addition to its entertaining and instructive values, this improved low-cost machine finds extensive application as a mechanical salesman, whereby manufacturers of various products may entertainingly describe and. picturize their products or manufacturing procedures. Machine constructed in accordance with this invention may be used in commercial selling establishments, not only to entertain and instruct prospective customers awaiting clerical attention, but may be used to save the time and relieve the clerk of constant tiring repetition of the merits of the particular product sold by the clerk.

While certain novel features of the invention have been disclosed herein, and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A picture projecting machine including in combination, an enclosed casing, a translucent viewing screen mounted in an opening in said casing, a projector mounted in said casing, said projector including a light and lens system and means for periodically advancing a picture strip in projecting relation to said light and lens system, and a reflector mounted in said casing operative to direct the projected views onto said screen, said film strip advancing means including a pivotally mounted lever, means associated with one end of said lever operative to detachably engage said film strip, a rotatable member mounted adjacent the opposite end of said lever, means for rotating said member, and means associated with said rotatable member and the adjacent end of said lever to periodically oscillate said lever and advance said film strip during rotation of said member.

2. A. picture projecting machine including in combination, an enclosed casing, a viewing screen associated with said casing, a support movable into and out of said casing, a, picture projector including a light and lens system, a t

supporting carrier for a picture strip, and means for moving jhe supported picture strip in projecting relation to said light and lens system, said picture projector being mounted on said movable support in a manner to permit withdrawal of said projector from said casing to facilitate mounting of the picture strip on said supporting carrier, and a circuit supplying current to said projector, said circuit having an electric contact element fixedly mounted in said casing, and a companion electric contact ele ment mounted on said movable support, said contact elements being arranged for contact engagement upon insertion of said support into said casing and for contact disengagement upon withdrawal of said support from said casing.

3. A picture projecting, machine including in combination, an enclosed casing, a viewing screen mounted in an opening in said casing, a projector mounted in said casing, said projector including an electric lamp and lens system and a device for periodically advancing a film strip in projecting relation to said lamp and lens system, a step-down transformer mounted in said casing, a switch for said lamp, a circuit connection between the low voltage side of said stepdown transformer and said electric lamp and lamp switch for delivering low voltage current to said lamp, and means operable by said strip advancing device to eifect opening of said lamp switch to deenergize said lamp during actuation of aid device and to maintain said switch closed when said device is non-actuated.

4. A picture projecting machine including in combination, an enclosed casing, a translucent viewing screen associated with said casing, a mounting movable into and out of said casing, a picture projector supported on said mounting, said projector including a light and lens system and means for moving a picture strip in projecting relation to said light and lens system, a reflector adjustably mounted within said casing operative to direct the projected views from said projector onto said screen when said projector is in housed position within said casing, and a circuit supplying current to said projector, said circuit having an electric contact element fixedly mounted in said casing, and a companion electric contact element mounted on said movable mounting, said contact elements being arranged for contact engagement upon insertion of the mounting into said casing and for contact disengagement upon Withdrawal of the mount ing from said casing.

5. A picture projecting machine including in combination, an enclosed casing, a viewing screen associated with said casing, a support movable into and out of said casing, and a picture projector including an electric lamp and lens system, a supporting carrier for a picture strip, means for moving the supported picture strip in projecting relation to said light and lens system, said picture projector being mounted on said movable support in a manner to permit withdrawal of said projector from said casing to facilitate mounting of the picture strip on said supporting carrier, a step-down transformer in said casing, and a circuit connection between the low voltage side of said step-down transformer and said electric lamp for delivering low voltage current to said lamp said circuit having a contact element fixedly mounted in said casing, and a companion electric contact element mounted on said movable support, said contact element being arranged for contact engagement upon in- 17 sertion of said movable support into said casing and for contact disengagement upon withdrawal of said support from said casing.

6. A picture projecting machine including in combination, a casing presenting enclosing panels, a carrier movable into and out of said casing through an opening in one of said panels,

a projector mounted on said carrier, said projector including a light and lens system and means for moving a picture strip in projecting relation to said light and lens system, a translucent viewing screen mounted on another of said panels, a reflector operative to direct the projected views from said projector onto said screen, and a circuit supplying current to said projector, said circuit having an electric contact element fixedly mounted in said casing, and a companion electric contact element mounted on said movable carrier, said contact element being arranged for contact engagement upon insertion of the carrier into said casing and for contact disengagement upon withdrawal of the carrier from said casing.

7. A picture projecting machine including in combination, a casing, a carrier movable into and out of said casing, a projector mounted on said carrier, said projector including a light and lens system and means for moving a picture strip in projecting relation to said light and lens sys tern, a motor mounted on said carrier for driv ing said strip moving means, a translucent viewing screen associated with said casing, a re fiector operative to direct the projected views from said projector onto said screen, and a circuit supplying current to said projector, said circuit having an electric contact element fixedly mounted in said casing, and a companion electric contact element mounted on said movable carrier, said contact element being arranged for contact engagement upon insertion of the carrier into said casing and for contact disengagement upon withdrawal of the carrier from said casing.

8. A picture projecting machine including in combination, an enclosed casing, an externally visible translucent viewing screen mounted on a wall of said casing, a carrier movable into and out of said casing, a projector mounted on said carrier, said projector including an electric lamp and lens system and means for moving a picture strip in projecting relation to said lamp and lens system, a reflector mounted in said casing operative to direct the projected views from said projector onto said screen, an electric contact element fixedly mounted in said casing and connected to a power source, and a companion electric contact element mounted on said movable carrier and. connected to said electric lamp, said contact elements being arranged for contact engagement upon insertion of the carrier into said casing and for contact disengagement upon withdrawal of the carrier from said casing.

9. A picture projecting machine including in combination, an enclosed casing, a viewing screen associated with said casing, a picture projector mounted in said casing, said projector in cluding a light and lens system and means for advancing the picture strip in projecting relation to said light and lens system, a sound reproducing device mounted in said casing, motor having means for driving said picture strip advancing means and said sound reproducing device in synchronism, a step-down transformer, a circuit connection between the low voltage side of said transformer and said projector, a switch in said circuit for controlling said light source, means operable by said picture strip advancing means to effect opening of aid switch to deenergize said light source during actuation of said strip advancing means and to maintain said switch closed when said strip advancing means is non-actuated, and a reflector mounted in said casing operative to direct the projected Views onto said creen.

10. A picture projecting machine including in combination, an enclosed casing, a carrier movable into and out of said casing, a projector mounted on said carrier, a sound reproducing device mounted on said carrier, a motor mounted on said carrier and associated with said projector and said sound producing device for driving same in synchronism, a translucent viewing screen mounted on a wall of said casing, a stepdown transformer mounted on said carrier, and a circuit connection between the low voltage side of said transformer and said projector, and a refiector in said casing operative to direct the projected views from said projector onto said screen.

11. A picture projecting machine including in combination, an enclosed casing, a carrier movable into and out of said casing, a projector mounted on said carrier, a sound reproducing device mounted on said carrier, a motor mounted on said carrier and associated with said projector and said sound reproducing device for driving same in ynchronism, a step-down transformer mounted on said carrier, a circuit connection between the low voltage side of said transformer and said projector, a translucent viewing screen mounted on a wall of said casing, and a reflector in said casing operative to direct the projected views from said projector onto said screen.

2. A picture projecting machine including in combination, an enclosed casing, a carrier movable into and out of said casing, a projector mounted on said carrier, said projector including an electric lamp and lens system and means for moving a picture strip in projecting relation to said light and lens system, a sound reproducing device mounted on said carrier, means for driving said picture strip advancing means and said sound reproducing device in synchronism, an electric contact element fixedly positioned in said casing, and a companion contact element mounted on said movable carrier, said contact elements being arranged for contact engagement upon insertion of the carrier into said casing and arranged to be disengaged upon withdrawal of the carrier from said casing.

13. A picture projecting machine including in combination, an enclosed casing, a carrier movable into and out of said casing, a projector mounted on said carrier, said projector including an electric lamp and lens system and means for moving a picture strip in projecting relation to said light and lens system, a sound reproducing device mounted on said carrier, means for driving aid picture strip advancing means and said sound reproducing device in synchronism, an electric contact element fixed y positioned in said casing, a companion contact element mounted on said movable carrier, said contact elements being arranged for contact engagement upon insertion of the carrier into said casing and arranged to be disengaged upon withdrawal of the carrier from said casing, a translucent viewing screen mounted on said casing, and a re- PETER PRELL.

REFERENCES CETED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number 2 Name Date I Kucharski July 3, 1923 Rummel Sept. 18, 1923 Number 20 Name- Date Brixey- June 26, 1928 Simon July 1'7, 1934 McMahon et a1. Nov. 21, 1939 Schlegel Feb. 11, 1941 Beck Dec. 16, 1941 Links et a1 July 21, 1942 Worthington et a1. Feb. 23, 1943 Hopkins June 15, 1943 Links et a1 Feb. 29, 1944 Harris et a] Oct. 3-1, 1944 Mills June 4, 1946 

